Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Frank Seravalli Says Two Things Must Happen for Sidney Crosby to Join Canadiens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 5:31 PM ET

Bleacher Report's Frank Seravalli believes a Sidney Crosby trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Montreal Canadiens Will likely depend on two things happening.

Speaking Friday on Sportsnet’s "The Big Show with Rusic and Rose," Seravalli said two specific conditions would need to be met before any such move could happen, acknowledging there is a fit between player and team.

“I just don’t think that (leaving the Penguins) has really entered Sidney Crosby’s mind as far as I can tell,” Seravalli said. “Everyone around him is talking about it and everyone’s curious to see if he gets the itch at some point to make a move like that.

“But two things: One, it’s going to need to be on his terms. He’s going to have to ask the Penguins — they’re not going to be going to him and asking if he’s interested in moving. And two, it’s going to have to be for a really special situation and scenario.”

Seravalli noted that Montreal could qualify as such a scenario, given Crosby’s personal ties to the franchise without ever having played for them.

The Penguins captain simply grew up idolizing the Canadiens, forging a connection rooted in both his father’s influence and the team’s popularity in the Maritimes.

Crosby also received a lengthy standing ovation at the Bell Centre during last year’s Four Nations Face-Off while representing Canada, which Seravalli suggested “meant a lot” to him.

“I think the Montreal Canadiens, with his love of that team as a kid… and from a competitive standpoint about a team on the rise — that’s the type of dream scenario that it would take,” Seravalli said. “But even then, I think it’s going to require a big change for a creature of comfort. But could they fit Sidney Crosby in? The answer is yes.”

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) skates during warmups.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Seravalli added that the Canadiens’ rapid rise under coach Martin St. Louis, having already made the playoffs last season, could make them an appealing destination if Crosby ever decides to leave Pittsburgh.

“They have a bit of an aura around their team, some swagger,” Seravalli said. “That marketplace is on fire, their coach is obviously really well liked, and they have high-end talent that’s capable of doing things that few other teams are.”

The Canadiens have had a strong start to the season, going 4-2 in six games and tied for the third-most points in the Eastern Conference, sharing record and point percentage with the Penguins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: